Classic Ground Beef Skillet Recipe
🧾 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained slightly)
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, or sub cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
- Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Veggies & Aromatics
- Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini.
- Sauté for about 5–6 minutes, until softened.
- Season & Simmer
- Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add corn, diced tomatoes, and your choice of rice or pasta.
- Simmer everything together for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve hot.
🍴 Variations:
- Tex-Mex: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and top with jalapeños and cilantro.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice or more veggies.
- Italian: Add marinara instead of tomatoes, use Italian sausage, and top with mozzarella.